The great harbor metropolis of Roman Asia — temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders), theater for 25,000, and by tradition the adopted home of John himself. Paul spent three years here (Acts 19-20). First on the courier's route and first of the seven letters (Rev 2:1-7): fullest in praise — toil, endurance, vigilance against false apostles — and stung by the most famous complaint in the set: 'you have left your first love.' The ruins at Selçuk are among the grandest of the ancient Mediterranean.